THAT "LIMITED" EXPRESS.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 15979, 22 November 1919, Page 4

THAT "LIMITED" EXPRESS.

It would bo very interesting to know why the experiment of a “limited” Main Trunk express was tried just at the present time, and what was the real object behind the running of the train. This train is now to be a permanent feature, and is to commence its regular running in December next, and is quite independent of the Christmas service. (Chorus of Reformers: “What a masterly Minister of Railways we have!”) A A hen one remembers the difficulties and the eloquence which had to be expended in pre-war days to get any railway concessions, the news of the granting of such an one as that of a “limited” express must have come as a surprise to many. But all things axe possible on the eve of an election. There are others as well as the public who are surprised at the unheralded and unsolicited granting of the “limited.” The Hon. D. H. Guthrie, a staunch supporter of the Government, told a Feilding deputation the other day that the coining of a "limited” express was a surprise to members of Parliament, for when the House closed down that train had not even been mentioned in Wellington. So far as his weight as a ■ Minister went, he would throw it in favour of the second express, rather than for the proposed “limited” express. There had not been any demand for increased speed on the expresses. The country interests were far more worthy of consideration than the commercial interests of men in the cities. The convenience of far too many families in the country districts were concerned for the city men to monopolise a “limited” express for a fast run. Personally, he did not think the “limited” train proposal would come off. The saving (rf an hour and a half, which resulted from that experiment, did not justify such a train becoming per mar nent. Yet the Premier says the railways are run for the convenience of the people.